Roofing Contractors

Association of South Florida

Dedicated to professionalism, quality & education

Useful Resources for Enlisting Roofing Contractors

Guidelines to Selecting a Reliable Contractor

Need help in finding a dependable roofing contractor? RCSAF has your back. Read the information below to learn how you can protect yourself from unlawful dealings with certain companies.

Obtain a written contract that stipulates what services will be provided. Make sure that the contract covers the cost of service as well as the payment method.

Before signing on the dotted line, get in touch with your local authorities. Call your local building department. You can also contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at 850-487-1395. They can confirm whether or not your roofing contractor is licensed in the state. You can also be informed of any complaints that these companies have received.

Be wary of companies who charge you for unusually large sums of money right before they begin work. Before working with a company, ask if they have general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.

If they cannot come up with these documents, it means that they are not covered by insurance that the state law requires. As such, you may become accountable for any injuries and damages that may take place on your property.

Require your contractor to secure a building permit, and that it should be posted on your property before they can begin the work. Never apply for the permit yourself.

Request a lien waiver from the contractor upon making the final payment for your project. If your contractor isn’t able to fulfill the agreements that were stated in your contract, make sure to contact the authorities. Notify Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Better Business Bureau, and your local building department.

Avoid Bad Deals on Your Roofing Repairs

There are numerous contractors who want to provide you with top-quality roofing that lasts a lifetime. However, there are still some companies that wouldn’t think twice about ripping you off. Since RCASF wants to see you get the best roofing installation possible, we’ve prepared some guidelines to help you select a reliable roofing contractor.

Ask About the Contractor's State License

According to state law, only licensed contractors can perform roof installations. If you are not sure whether your contractor is certified, call the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at 1-850-487-1395. They will inform you if the company you are about to work with is licensed or not.

If the Deal Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is

A properly designed and properly installed roof can save you up to 50% of your annual heating and cooling costs. Remember the old cliché, "There is no free lunch."

Don't Be Pressured Into Making Deals Right Away

Be careful of those who push you into making on-the-spot decisions. All contractors prefer to make an immediate deal. However, any good contractor allows you some time to think things through before making a final agreement.

Find Out How Long the Contractor Has Been in Business

Ask for a list of clients that the contractor has previously worked with. Longevity in business does not necessarily indicate the quality of service. Nevertheless, you can still have an idea of the company’s track record.

Roofing Is a Tough, Risky Business

Roofing is beset with injuries and damage claims. Responsible roofing contractors properly insure their employees and their customers. Ask to see their worker's compensation policy and liability policy.

Get Two or Three Bids and Compare the Offers

Price isn't everything, but a written bid can help you see how much each contractor is offering you for your money. Be sure to compare "apples to apples." There are several roofing systems available, but the important thing for you to do is to be sure the system has received product approval.

Make Sure That the Contractor Gets a Building Permit

The roofing contractor must comply with local codes. Every installation should be inspected by the local building inspector. WARNING - Do not pull a permit yourself!

Get All the Information You Can Before You Buy

If you follow these eight easy steps, we think you will avoid possible problems with your next roof job. If you have questions we can answer, call us at 954-587-5040.